Making House Calls - Deede Wyatt

Deede Wyatt has always had a knack for color and design, so she chose to put that talent to work. So the 26-year-old Newport News resident went to work as an interior decorator at The Decorating Den.

Wyatt and her boss, Lynn Arnold of Grafton, work with kitchens, windows, antiques, floor designs and all rooms. The catch - the decorating duo works out of a van.

"We have 5,000 samples of carpets, mini-blinds, wallcoverings, furniture and material swatches, so we can come into your home and use your lighting to decorate," says Wyatt. The Colorvan also houses many interior decorating books.

This customized service simplifies the decorating process for the client, according to Wyatt.

Originally from California, Wyatt and her husband, Chris, settled in Virginia after being transferred here. Previously a naval officer, Chris is now a safety engineer for Lockheed Corp. at the Langley Research Center of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration. The couple met in college and married three years ago. They have a 15-month-old son, Braeden.

Working a full 40 hours a week, Wyatt hopes to build a large clientele. The franchised business does the bulk of its decorating in Newport News and Williamsburg and is one of only two Decorating Dens on the Peninsula, says Arnold, who employs three full-time workers. "Ms. Wyatt will specialize in residential furnishings and interiors,"says Arnold.

"I like the whole aspect. I like working with people and working my own hours," says Wyatt. "I've always been interested in interior decorating. Lynn Arnold is a fantastic boss; she's taught me so much in only three months."

In her spare time, Wyatt enjoys shopping and reading everything she can find about decorating. Her favorite magazines are House Beautiful and Parenting. She also likes to spend time with her family.

Wyatt hopes to own her own business one day. "I like to help people do what they want with their home," she says.